I think the Idaho at Poly game could be interesting. If Idaho is to win Joshua Wood needs to play well. They have lost a couple running backs from last year and their defense was poor and they tanked the last half of the year with the exception of beating NAU in overtime. Wood was injured part of the season so that hurt some, but man, their defense was not good. Northern Colorado waxed them in Moscow.

2026 Summer Sessions
* Session I: June 22 - July 31
* Session II: Aug. 3 - Sept. 11
* Special Session: June 12 - Sept. 11

Purely conjecture but best-case scenario might be he misses the first 3 games with a summer session completion. Whatever the situation, the academic integrity of the University comes first.

In hindsight when Colter and Samuel Akem interviewed Gbatu at media day, when asked about someone to watch for Gbatu said “Zach Jones” and not Dobbins. That may have been an indicator - but just speculation.

I really thought Ian Simpson was a major part of the offense the past two years. Last year he had 31 receptions for 425 yards and 3 TDS - but in addition brought a real “nastiness” to the offense. He wasn’t a huge physical specimen but was tough and had speed and many yards after the catch. Looking forward to see who rises at tight end spot this year.

in Plough’s interview on the podcast he did say that the players essentially select the QB by how they react etc to his leadership and how things operate. I am sure Plough has his own thoughts and am pretty sure he would override a “popularity contest” sort of vote by players - which is not done anyway in the classical mechanical sense. My hunch is that both the team and his preference will ultimately align.

Actually plants/trees lose water via transpiration. Sorry …. did my MS on evapotranspiration estimation.

Interesting article on other mechanisms associated with redwoods.

https://www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news/discovery-uncovers-new-leaf-redwoods

Also, what ever happened to Damon Wrighster? Entered the transfer portal after last season but haven't heard or seen any info about him since

According to google he transferred to Ventura JC.

Never did have to pay … just get earlier access and a couple “extra” podcasts with the subscription.

Colter, I have been following you since way back, and really have enjoyed your knowledgeable and astute coverage. You and Samuel fill a void in big sky coverage. My wife and I enjoyed a trip to Missoula for the game in 2024 after having visited Bozeman in 2022 for the game against the Bobcats. Great venues and atmosphere. Hopefully the Griz-Aggie game this year in Davis will get a bunch of fans out for a great game (won’t make it due to being on east coast and other family activities). And yes we’re very excited to have Coach Plough as he brings a lot of energy to the program as well as understanding the culture.

Just pulled up the SLO fame from last season on YouTube and there was a number 14 at wide receiver on on several plays. My hunch is that it was Scott Nixon switching jerseys from his normal 24. As it was an away game fewer Aggies would have suited up so maybe 14 (Eason’s) number was available.

Is the Aggie QB situation settled, or are we going through camp with a "competition"? Is Eason still going to be in the mix?

Don’t know Eason’s injury or recovery status but I think he did get in a few times last year as a receiver - I think for blocking primarily. I seem to remember a #14 in the Cal Poly game and I think someone mentioned his participation in another game. If he is not going to crack the QB 1 or 2 slot (seems very likely) then maybe he has enough athleticism - and he has pretty good size - to contribute elsewhere.

it was a great experience in Missoula in 2024. 30-14 Aggies.

yah, I had forgot about the delay in high school. Some kids transfer multiple times in high school in an attempt to better their college recruiting status. As more money infiltrates college football crazier things happen. Kind of sorry for the kids who don’t get to be a kid and experience a wide range of activities but alternately become one -trick ponies most of whom ultimately don’t cash in anyway.

remember when it was normal to get out of college at 21? Even if you add on a 2 year mission for Mormon kids you should be able to play 4 years by 24. It’s been crazy since Covid.

Tracks on football fields are real downers. The stands are almost too close to the field in Missoula but it makes for a much better fan experience.

Samuel used to do analytical stuff in which he was very good. He is now pumping out videos sometimes multiple per day seemingly going for quantity over quality. I have noted several errors in his videos which I attributed to not spending enough time prepping.

The blue bloods spend more time prepping and are quite knowledgeable but have a more sedate delivery.

It appears that many FBS athletic departments accrue annual deficits. Google says 80-90% of public universities whose books need to be “open”. NC State projects an $18M deficit. INC chapel hill had a $15M deficit in FY25. I'm not saying this is good but departments are scrambling to cover these with state and other university funds. Depending on the state some revenue may come from sports gambling revenue. Also concerts. And of course added student fees. It just seems like a keep up with the Jones’ situation and scrambling fiscally on the back end to try to meet expenses.

humidity will be much lower in Portland than it was in Montgomery Alabama or will be in Dallas. Bodies can’t get rid of heat when the humidity is high as it retards evaporation off skin. Dewpoint of 76 here in North Carolina with a high of 90 today. Pure misery outside. Why anyone would want to live in Florida puzzles me.

Cutting through the BS of Sac State Administrators and local politicians re: stadium chimera.

live in Fort Collins 1993-1998. Went to a few games there including a postponed game to Sunday afternoon against Tulsa in which we had to carve out our seats from snow. Sonny Lubeck era as I recall. First place I experienced where you could buy beer in the stadium.

Came back for a working meeting circa 2015 and couldn’t believe how much the place had grown. So as you note plenty of potential fan base.

Except for Williams, none of our tight ends have appeared in more than two games and none have ever recorded a stat. Three of the four are redshirt freshmen next year, but all the second year freshmen were three star recruits coming out of high school.

Plough seemed very hesitant to rotate in TEs that weren’t starters (in 2 personnel) last year. I had expected someone like Pohlman would get some reps. He has the size (and I think speed) to be a real factor. I think someone on the board had mentioned he looked good in spring. I am not too worried about TE although I am not sure of blocking ability as a group. Programs like Montana State and Dakota States have just reloaded and I think that is the mindset that UCD needs to focus on. Maybe more playing time of subs especially in salted away games would be helpful and also reduce exposure to injury of starters.